Young workers in Columbus who suffer a disabling injury or illness may be extremely worried about how they will provide for their families, especially if they are raising children. These workers may apply for Social Security Disability benefits to make ends meet. It can be frustrating, then, when a person’s initial application for benefits is denied. Fortunately, there is a four-step appeals process an applicant can follow to increase the chances they will be awarded benefits.
Step 1: Reconsideration
In the reconsideration process, a disability examiner who was not involved in the first decision will reassess the worker’s application. They may ask the applicant to go to an appointment with a doctor who can provide further information about the applicant’s decision. Once all evidence is collected and examined, the disability examiner will either approve or deny a person’s application for SSD benefits.
Step 2: A disability hearing
If an application is denied following reconsideration, the next step is to have a disability hearing before an administrative law judge. An applicant can have an attorney represent them if they want. At the hearing the ALJ will examine all evidence included in the application and may ask the applicant questions about their health and capabilities. Following the hearing, the ALJ will issue a decision either approving or denying the person’s application for SSD benefits. It is important to note that it can take a year or more to get a hearing before an ALJ.
Step 3: Appeals Council review
If the ALJ denies a person’s application, the next step is to have the application reviewed by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council may decide whether to review an application for benefits. If they do review it, they will only examine evidence already on the record. They may either accept the application, deny the application or send the application back to an ALJ with instructions for further examination.
Step 4: Federal Court review
The final step in the appeals process is to submit your application for review by a Federal Court. This is essentially a civil suit. It cannot be done online.
Having your application for SSD benefits denied is discouraging, but do not lose hope. By following the four-step appeals process it may be possible to ultimately having your application approved so you can provide for you and your family should you be unable to work.
